In an interview with Radio New Zealand, John Burnell, Geothermal Modeler at GNS Science, discussed details of a research program that aims to identify and characterize geothermal resources for greenhouse agriculture in New Zealand. The five-year program will involve geophysical surveys and numerical modeling to assess geothermal potential, as well as a consideration of the social aspects and policy environment for such projects.
According to the interview, more than 90% of the tomatoes, capsicum, and cucumbers commercially grown in New Zealand are grown as covered crops in about 310 hectares of greenhouses, mostly in the North Island. The research project can pave the way for the transition of natural gas-based heating in these greenhouses to geothermal.
Geothermal greenhouses are very common and are an established technology in other parts of the world such as Türkiye, Iceland, Kenya, and the Netherlands.
"There's a clear need to transition from using these fuels, not only for reducing potential climate impact but also because there is a growing consumer demand worldwide for goods produced in a low-carbon fashion," said John Burnell.
Read more at thinkgeoenergy.com